Liver Cancer Surgery

Liver cancer is cancer that occurs as a result of abnormal growth and uncontrolled proliferation of liver cells. There are many factors that cause these cells to grow abnormally. These include chronic alcohol use, hepatitis B and C, obesity and diabetes. Liver cancer is curable if detected early. However, if not diagnosed early, it can lead to serious health problems. Liver cancer surgery, on the other hand, includes the methods used in the treatment of liver cancer. Unlike other cancer treatment methods, cancerous cells are completely removed from the patient's liver tissue. In this way, the treatment of the patient will give better results.

Throughout the article, you can find detailed explanations about liver cancer and surgery under the following headings:

• What is liver cancer?
• How is the diagnosis of liver cancer made?
• What is liver cancer surgery?
• What are the risks of liver cancer surgery?

What is Liver Cancer?

The liver is one of the largest organs and performs one of the important functions. It cleans the toxic substances in the body and purifies the blood. Liver cancer is a type of cancer that occurs as a result of abnormal development of cells in the organ. What the patient eats, drinks, and whether he is active in daily life is very influential in the risks of this cancer. Liver cancer symptoms can vary from person to person. Symptoms such as fever, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss and jaundice are often observed. However, not every person may have these symptoms, or all of these symptoms may not be together.

How is liver cancer diagnosed?

A diagnosis of liver cancer is the determination of whether a person has liver cancer. This diagnosis is made by doctors in several ways. Methods used when diagnosing liver cancer include:

• Physical examination: While diagnosing liver cancer, the general condition and physical symptoms of the patient are examined. Pay attention to the patient's pain, swelling, and other symptoms.
• Laboratory tests: Some enzymes and proteins in the patient's blood are examined. These tests may be elevated in a person with liver cancer.
• Radiology tests: Doctors examine a patient's liver using a radioisotope when diagnosing liver cancer. These tests can show abnormal growth or change in shape of the liver in a person with liver cancer.
• Liver biopsy: In this method, the doctor takes a piece of the patient's liver tissue and examines this tissue. This test can determine if cancerous cells are present.

What is Liver Cancer Surgery?

Liver cancer surgery is applied together with other treatment applications. With chemotherapy and radiotherapy, it is tried to prevent the spread of the cancerous area before and after the surgery. Surgery and transplantation are among the most frequently used methods in cancer surgery.

Liver cancer surgery

Liver cancer surgery, which is one of the surgical applications, includes application steps according to the patient's condition and the doctor's advice. It generally takes place in the following steps:

• 1. The patient undergoes a number of examinations before the surgical procedure and the anesthesia option is selected.
• 2. The surgical procedure can be performed under general anesthesia of the patient or with local anesthesia.
• 3. The surgeon makes an incision to remove the liver tissue and completely or partially removes the cancerous cells from this tissue.
• 4. After removing the liver tissue, the doctor examines the remaining tissues on the bone and removes or leaves these tissues as well.
• 5. Then the procedure is completed by suturing the incision by the doctor.

Liver transplant

Liver transplantation is considered appropriate by doctors in cases where the liver is unable to function under the influence of cancer. In this transplant, donor and patient are first tested for compatibility and matched. The donor donates part or all of his liver during the procedures. After the cancerous tissue is removed by the surgeon, the donor's liver is transplanted.

What are the Risks of Liver Cancer Surgery?

Liver cancer surgery is performed according to the patient's condition and the doctor's advice, and this procedure can bring many risks. Surgical applications are performed with general or local anesthesia. During general anesthesia, the patient's airway may be obstructed.

or have a heart attack. Under local anesthesia, the patient may feel pain or have a severe allergic reaction.

During the removal of the tumorous structure, the patient may experience a serious bleeding condition. The prevention by doctors is endeavored for. At the same time, there is a risk of infection in the patient due to the surgical field and the instruments used. In addition, cancerous cells may remain in the patient's liver. There is a risk of getting cancer again some time after the surgery. For this reason, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are recommended by doctors after surgery. The spread of the remaining cells is can be attempted to be prevented through these.